Possible Chelsea Starting Line-Up Against Manchester City

Chelsea will travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup tie on Saturday, looking to progress to the next round of the competition.

The Blues are heading into this match on the back of a frustrating 1-1 draw against West Brom in mid-week, while Manchester City’s match against Sunderland was cancelled off due to bad weather.

Chelsea became the only Premier League side that won at the Etihad and the Blues will be keen to replicate the performance from the 1-0 win over City earlier this month.

Mourinho will be without his talisman skipper John Terry while his fellow centre-back partner Gary Cahill is doubtful. In that case, Brazilian David Luiz is expected to partner Branislav Ivanovic at the centre of defence, with left-back Ashley Cole is likely to start as well.

The Chelsea boss has used 4-3-3 formation in big matches away from home where an extra midfielder has been introduced in place of in-form Oscar. Expect, Mourinho to apply similar sort of tactics yet again on Saturday.

Prediction: 1-2, Chelsea are undefeated in 31 of their last 32 matches in FA Cup so expect the Blues to conquer Etihad for the second time this season.

About The Author

European Football Analyst working for Soccerlens. Can find me on twitter @saikatm87

One Response

Frank15 February, 2014

Chelsea should be more solid in defence and in midfield if they are to beat city again at home. and any of the players should make judicious use of any opportunity to score. Mourinho can do it again at Etihad